McKevitt trial on 'Real IRA' charges postponed

The trial of the alleged leader of the Real IRA has been postponed until mid-June.

The trial of the alleged leader of the Real IRA has been postponed until mid-June.

Mr Michael McKevitt

The trial of Mr Michael McKevitt was due to begin in the Special Criminal Court next Tuesday but has been put back pending the outcome of a Supreme Court appeal.

Last month, Mr Justice O'Neill refused a High Court application challenging a decision to refuse further disclosure of documents relating to FBI agent Mr David Rupert. Mr Rupert is the main State's witness.

But today it was decided the Supreme Court would consider the appeal.

Mr McKevitt (51) with an address at Blackrock, Dundalk, Co Louth, but in custody in Portlaoise Prison, is the first person in the State to be charged with the new offence of directing terrorism.

He is charged with directing terrorism between August 29th, 1991, and March 28th, 2001, and also with membership of an unlawful organisation, the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann.

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